The Story of GLP-1
A Historical Journey in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity
- 1st Edition - March 1, 2026
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Author: Jens Juul Holst
- Language: English
- Hardback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 3 2 8 7 - 6
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 3 2 8 8 - 3
The Story of GLP-1: A Historical Journey in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity is a critically acclaimed account detailing the groundbreaking discovery of the hormone GLP-1,… Read more
Purchase options
The Story of GLP-1: A Historical Journey in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity is a critically acclaimed account detailing the groundbreaking discovery of the hormone GLP-1, narrated by the award-winning scientist Professor Jens Juul Holst, along with co-authors Professor Sten Madsbad, Professor Jens Meldgaard Bruun, and Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. GLP-1 is the hormone found in weight loss medications and diabetes treatments such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The discovery of GLP-1 has significantly transformed treatment options for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering benefits that include improved blood glucose regulation and substantial weight loss, while also lowering the risk of related complications. Professor Jens Juul Holst, MD, DMSc, is among the world's leading diabetes researchers, having pioneered the discovery of GLP-1 in the 1980s. In this book, we follow the historical research journey that led to the identification of this hormone, which now signifies a paradigm shift in the management of diabetes and obesity. "The Story of GLP-1: A Historical Journey in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity" narrates the rising rates of obesity and diabetes, underscoring a critical public health issue, even in light of considerable progress in treatment alternatives. While traditional approaches, such as low-calorie diets, have shown potential for short-term weight loss, maintaining that loss has proven difficult. Efforts to achieve better blood sugar control have not consistently translated into reduced complications or improved patient outcomes, as demonstrated by extensive international studies. However, the introduction of new diabetes medications, particularly those based on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), such as liraglutide and semaglutide, has marked a significant breakthrough. These medications not only improve blood sugar levels but also promote substantial weight loss and reduce cardiovascular complications, offering hope for better management of obesity and diabetes. Despite these promising results, challenges remain regarding accessibility and affordability of these treatments, raising important societal questions about who should receive them and how they should be funded. The author's involvement in the discovery and development of GLP-1 provides a unique perspective on the historical and physiological context of these advancements, making this book a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of metabolic diseases and the evolution of treatment options.
- Presents a unique perspective on the historical and physiological context of these advancements of the discovery and development of GLP-1
- Provides readers with evidence-based insights, reinforcing the credibility of the information and supporting informed decision-making in practice
- Discusses diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome to establish a clear framework for understanding the relevance of GLP-1 therapies, helping readers connect theoretical knowledge to real-world health challenge
Basic researchers in the field of physiology, diabetes and obesity
1. The Incretin Effect
2. GLP-1 and the Gastrointestinal Tract
3. GLP-1 and Food Intake
4. GLP-1 and Diabetes
5. GLP-1 and Diabetes Treatment
6. GLP-1 receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA)
7. Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
8. GLP-1 and Weight Loss
9. GLP-1 and society
10. The Discovery and Development of Human GLP-1
2. GLP-1 and the Gastrointestinal Tract
3. GLP-1 and Food Intake
4. GLP-1 and Diabetes
5. GLP-1 and Diabetes Treatment
6. GLP-1 receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA)
7. Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
8. GLP-1 and Weight Loss
9. GLP-1 and society
10. The Discovery and Development of Human GLP-1
- Edition: 1
- Published: March 1, 2026
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Language: English
JH
Jens Juul Holst
Jens Juul Holst is Professor of Medical Physiology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. He is Senior Group Leader at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Copenhagen.
Holst's scientific work has focused on the regulatory peptides of the pancreas and the gut and their importance in the regulation of the functions of the GI-tract and metabolism, with particular focus on blood glucose and appetite regulation, obesity and diabetes. A particular emphasis has been on the role of the incretin hormones of the gut (GLP-1 and GIP). Professor Holsts great scientific achievements include the discovery of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) a gut hormone regulating insulin secretion and appetite and food intake and his subsequent both basic and translational research in this field.
He is among the most cited European scientists in his field.
Affiliations and expertise
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Denmark